Manuka Honey in Children, when you should and shouldn’t give them honey.

For as long as I can remember, if I was ever feeling under the weather my nanna would tell me to drink some warm water with honey and lemon. “It will help your sore throat” she would say.

However, at what age is it safe to give any honey to children?

All honey, including Manuka honey should not be given to children under 1 year.

Why?

A Bacteria called Clostridium Bacteria, which causes Infant Botulism, usually thrive in soil and dust, however, they can also contaminate some foods, honey in particular.

Infant Botulism can cause muscle weakness with signs like poor sucking, a weak cry, constipation and decreased muscle tone – floppiness.

The best way that parents can prevent Infant Botulism is by not giving their baby and small child honey, or any processed foods which contain honey, like cereal bars, biscuits etc, until their child’s first birthday.

Once your child gets older, you can start giving them honey because their digestive systems mature, and their mature digestive systems move the Clostridium bacteria spores through the body before they can cause any harm.

How can I give my child Manuka honey every day?

You can add it to their cereal, add a teaspoon to their smoothie, drizzle over their pancakes or just give them a teaspoonful as a delicious and healthy treat.

How much Manuka honey should I give my child?

Manuka Health, the makers of our delicious Manuka Honey, recommends at least 1 teaspoon every day.

Helpful tips!

-Avoid high heat, like baking or boiling. When you bake or boil your Manuka Honey, you can destroy some of the beneficial properties and components in your honey.

-Remember to brush your teeth. Although honey is a natural sugar, it’s still a sugar, so be sure to always brush your teeth after your daily dose of Manuka Honey :)

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